Where’s Willy? Cheekiest sports photo of 2017

The Wallabies star has created arguably the cheekiest sports photo of 2017 - and then backed it up with a brilliant, brief caption that light-heartedly put Prince William in an offside position.

The Australian playmaker, turned fullback in Israel Folau's absence, stole the show in the Wallabies' win over Wales in Cardiff on Sunday morning (AEDT) - but he left his best performance for the moment the Crown Prince walked into the Wallabies' dressing room to congratulate the away team on their 29-21 victory.

While the majority of Wallabies players were happy to stand on ceremony when they posed for pictures with the Duke of Cambridge, Beale took a more relaxed approach when he posed for a photo in his budgie smugglers.

There is so much that is perfectly Australian about the photo that it is difficult to know where to start.

His caption takes the gag to the next level. So does the beer in his right hand. And, of course, let's not forget Beale's majestic green and gold thunder cover, which appears to have an indigenous artwork pattern splashed across his corner post region.

"When you rock up to the party feeling a little over dressed," Beale posted on his Instagram account.

The 28-year-old Waratahs star certainly appears to be the more comfortable of the pair - but Prince William certainly can't say the experience wasn't good for him too.

According to reports, William's official minders had to approve every photo Wallabies players and officials asked him to take.

Thankfully, they were OK with Beale's request.

The photo is certain to be remembered as one of the best of Australia's 2017 sporting calendar.

It's definitely one to show the grandkids down the track.

Kurtley’s grin is about to go global.

Wallabies supporters certainly appear to agree.

Beale's Instagram post had more than 8000 likes in the first two hours after it was published.

If nothing else, you've at least had a grin on your chin while reading about Beale's cheeky exploits.

It's unlikely Beale and Prince William will be as friendly when the Wallabies take on England at Twickenham on Sunday morning, but they'll always have the dressing room at Cardiff's Principality Stadium.